Run Balmoral

4.5 · 2 reviews
RB

From Run Balmoral

  • Date Sat 4th April 2026 - Sun 5th April 2026
  • Time 09:00
  • Location Ballater, Aberdeenshire
  • Price £8.00 - £85.00
  • Races 7 races
  • Distances 10km, 5km

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A group of people participate in a trail run through a forest with tall trees. The runners are on a dirt path, surrounded by greenery and sunlight filtering through the trees. They are dressed in athletic wear and appear to be in various stages of the race.

Run Balmoral

Sat 4th April 2026 - Sun 5th April 2026

4.5 · 2 reviews
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Event summary

Join us for the exhilarating Run Balmoral event, taking place from Saturday, April 4th to Sunday, April 5th, 2026, at the breathtaking Balmoral Estate in Ballater, Aberdeenshire. Organised by Run Balmoral, this two-day festival is North-East Scotland's largest running celebration, offering something for everyone. On Saturday, families can participate in a primary schools 1.5k for ages 12 and under, a secondary schools 2.5k for ages 11-15, as well as 5k and 10k races for older participants. The lively Event Village will be bustling with food and activities, ensuring a fun-filled atmosphere for all.

Sunday brings two thrilling trail races: the not-so-wee 6 mile and the mighty 15 mile, perfect for those looking to challenge themselves in the stunning Scottish landscape. For the adventurous at heart, the 'Devil of Deeside Challenge' invites participants to tackle the 5k, 10k, 6 mile, and 15 mile races. If you're traveling from afar, make the most of your visit by enjoying complimentary access to Balmoral’s elegant restaurant, the Mews Gift Shop, and the picturesque estate

Run Balmoral

Sat 4th April 2026 - Sun 5th April 2026

A group of people participate in a trail run through a forest with tall trees. The runners are on a dirt path, surrounded by greenery and sunlight filtering through the trees. They are dressed in athletic wear and appear to be in various stages of the race. A group of runners participate in a trail race through a forest under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. They are on a dirt path lined with trees and rocks. Some runners are smiling as they move forward, all wearing colorful race bibs and athletic attire. Children and adults ride bicycles on a wooden track in a grassy area during an outdoor event. Tents and colorful flags are set up in the background, with a crowd of spectators gathering. A large statue and trees are visible under a clear blue sky. Three women with race bibs run and smile on a forest dirt trail under cloudy skies, surrounded by trees and greenery. Two give thumbs up, all look cheerful and energetic. A group of runners jogs past a small band of musicians in kilts playing bagpipes and a drum beside a forest path. The runners are blurred, while the musicians stand in front of tall pine trees. A woman in running gear smiles as she races on a rural road. A group of spectators, including a dog, watch and cheer from the grassy roadside near a stone monument. Trees line the background. A group of people walk along a narrow dirt path through heathery, open moorland, bordered by a dense pine forest under a cloudy sky. Aerial view of a brown, rocky moorland with a narrow stream crossing under a wooden bridge. Fenced walking paths run across the landscape, with hills and cloudy skies in the background. A person in a furry highland cow mascot costume, wearing a kilt and race number 2133, gives thumbs up while standing on a rural road during a race event, with bystanders and runners visible around. A group of children in colorful athletic clothing are running towards a finish line at an outdoor race event, with spectators cheering on both sides under a cloudy sky.

Organiser's Description

Held over two days on the stunning Balmoral Estate in Aberdeenshire, Run Balmoral is North-East Scotland's biggest running festival.

Saturday hosts a primary schools 1.5k (12 and under), a secondary schools 2.5k (11-15), a 5k (11+) and a 10k (16+). There's also a bustling Event Village with food and fun for the whole family.

Sunday features two fantastic trail races: the not-so-wee 6 mile and the mighty 15 mile.

Feeling adventurous? Commit to the 'Devil of Deeside Challenge' and take on the 5k, 10k, 6 mile and 15 mile races.

Coming from further afield to Deeside? Plan to make a day of it. All runners and their guests receive free access to Balmoral’s newly refurbished restaurant, Mews Gift Shop, stunning Estate grounds and woodland walks (weather permitting) on the Saturday, plus the Castle Ballroom Exhibition on the Sunday, making Run Balmoral a perfect day out for runners and non-runners alike.

Races

  • Stena Drilling 10k

    £29.00

    Scottish Athletics (SA) save £2.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Harbour Energy 5k

    £20.00

    Scottish Athletics (SA) save £2.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • James & George Collie 15 Mile Trail Race

    £29.00

    Scottish Athletics (SA) save £2.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Run Balmoral 6 Mile Trail Race

    £29.00

    Scottish Athletics (SA) save £2.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • John Clark Motor Group Devil of Deeside

    £85.00

    CLOSED

  • RAM Tubulars Secondary Schools 2.5k Run

    £8.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • McIntosh Plant Hire Primary Schools 1.5k Race

    £8.00

    Booking for more than 1?

Book

  • Stena Drilling 10k

    £29.00

    Scottish Athletics (SA) save £2.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Harbour Energy 5k

    £20.00

    Scottish Athletics (SA) save £2.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • James & George Collie 15 Mile Trail Race

    £29.00

    Scottish Athletics (SA) save £2.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Run Balmoral 6 Mile Trail Race

    £29.00

    Scottish Athletics (SA) save £2.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • John Clark Motor Group Devil of Deeside

    £85.00

    CLOSED

  • RAM Tubulars Secondary Schools 2.5k Run

    £8.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • McIntosh Plant Hire Primary Schools 1.5k Race

    £8.00

    Booking for more than 1?

Course Details

All the races are held on traffic-free roads or trails within the spectacular setting of the Balmoral estate.

What's Included

Sustainable finisher’s medal
Electronic timing
Downloadable finisher’s certificate
Free parking
Event Village (Saturday)
Free access to Balmoral Estate for runners and guests
Option to buy event t-shirt

  • All runners and their guests receive free access to Balmoral’s newly refurbished restaurant, Mews Gift Shop, stunning Estate grounds and woodland walks (weather permitting) on the Saturday, plus the Castle Ballroom Exhibition on the Sunday, making Run Balmoral a perfect day out for runners and non-runners alike.
  • The 2025 medal is the first in a series of five bespoke creations featuring the stunning wildlife of the Balmoral Estate. This year's star is the elusive capercaillie.

How to Get There

Balmoral Estate is approximately 50 miles west of Aberdeen, just off the A93 in scenic Royal Deeside and can be reached from the South on the A93 (Deeside Tourist Route) via Perth and Glenshee. Allow plenty of journey time, there is only one main road (A93) leading to Balmoral and delays are possible. Please be patient. There is a regular bus service between Aberdeen and Balmoral, operated by Stagecoach.

Parking

FREE field parking will be well signed on the day. The earlier you arrive the closer to the start line you will be! You should arrive no later than an hour prior to your race start time and earlier is better!
There is at least a 20 minute walk to the start line from some car parks. But we also operate a shuttle bus between the main gate and the Estate office from 9.30am - except when there are races on.

Location

Balmoral Castle & Estate, Crathie, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5TB

FAQs

  • Are there cut-offs for the event?

    For runners' safety and for the logistics of the event please note the following: The races are running races, not walking events. It is expected that runners will finish within a reasonable time for each race to allow for the next race to take place and for us to gather in marshals from exposed locations. 5K – maximum finish time 1 hour 6 Mile / 10K – Maximum finish time 2 hours 15 Mile – Maximum finish time 3 hours Please note these times are given as a guide only and it may on the day be necessary to clear the course earlier than expected. Marshals will do their utmost to allow an athlete to complete the race as long as it is safe for the individual to continue. However it must be noted that past the maximum times above if it is still possible to allow an athlete to continue, marshals will be removed from the course for their own safely / comfort and the athlete will be continuing in the full knowledge that this is the case. The athlete accepts this responsibility as part of the main terms and conditions signed up to on entering the event.

  • When will I receive my race pack?

    You should receive your race pack approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the race date. The pack will contain your race number which has your timing chip attached, an instruction sheet and 4 safety pins.

  • Are dogs allowed?

    On the event field on a lead, yes. Taking part in any race, no.

  • Are there finishers' t-shirts?

    T-shirts are an optional extra this year and can be ordered at www.runbalmoral.com

  • What else is there to do on the Balmoral Estate for spectators or when I'm done my race?

    Lots! All runners and their guests receive free access to Balmoral’s newly refurbished restaurant, Mews Gift Shop, stunning Estate grounds and woodland walks (weather permitting) on the Saturday, plus the Castle Ballroom and Capercaillie Exhibitions on the Sunday.

Event Video

Reviews

Verified Purchase

A 'verified' purchase review means that we've verified that the person writing the review purchased their entry to this race on findarace.com.

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

4.5

2 reviews

EG
Eric

·9 months ago

PROS Well organised event. Great atmosphere and nicely challenging route. Quality medal. Appreciated the pipers on the hill. CONS Car park 5 would have been a disaster under wet conditions. Surprised that there were no shuttle buses and no water at finish.
MG
Morven

·9 months ago

Great even for kids. Well set out and lots for them to do after the run which was amazing, able to spend the whole day there. Loads of food options also which is really good for small kids. Parking was a fair distance away for little ones to walk from- run and then back to the car, but we know for next time.

Location

Balmoral Estates, Ballater, AB35 5, United Kingdom

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